71

What is Mechanics?

Mechanics is a branch of science concerned with the behavior of physical bodies when subjected to forces or displacements, and the subsequent effects of the bodies on their environment.

Mechanics can also be defined as a branch of science, which deals with the motion of, and forces on objects.

Statics and Dynamics are branches of Mechanics.

72

What is Statics?

Statics is the branch of mechanics that is concerned with the analysis of loads (force and torque, or "moment") on physical systems in static equilibrium.

When in static equilibrium, the system is either at rest, or its center of mass moves at constant velocity.

73

What is Dynamics?

Dynamics is the branch of mechanics that is concerned with the motion of bodies under the action of forces.

Every object experiences some form of motion which is the result of different forces acting on the object.

Dynamics is the study of the forces and torques, and their effect on motion.

Kinetics and Kinematics are branches of Dynamics.

74

What is Kinetics?

Kinetics is a term for the branch of dynamics, which is concerned with the relationship between the motion of bodies and its causes, namely forces and torques.

75

What is Kinematics?

Kinematics is the branch of dynamics, which describes the motion of points, bodies (objects) and systems of bodies (groups of objects) without consideration of the causes of motion.

76

What is a Scalar?

Scalars are quantities that are fully described by a magnitude (or numerical value) alone.

E.g. Distance

77

What is a Vector?

Vectors are quantities that are fully described by both a magnitude and a direction.

E.g. Displacement

78

What is the difference between ‘distance’ and ‘displacement’?

Distance is a scalar quantity that refers to "how much ground an object has covered" during its motion.

 

 

Displacement is a vector quantity that refers to "how far out of place an object is"; it is the object's overall change in position.

The distance travelled is always greater than or equal to the displacement.

79

Define Engineering.

Engineering is the application of scientific, economic, social, and practical knowledge in order to invent, design, build, maintain, research, and improve structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes.

The American Engineers' Council for Professional Development has defined "engineering" as:

The creative application of scientific principles to design or develop structures, machines, apparatus, or manufacturing processes, or works utilizing them singly or in combination; or to construct or operate the same with full cognizance of their design; or to forecast their behavior under specific operating conditions; all as respects an intended function, economics of operation or safety to life and property.

80

 

List some of the areas of Mechanical Engineering?

 

The design of physical or mechanical systems, such as power and energy systems, aerospace/aircraft products, weapon systems, transportation products, engines, compressors, powertrains, kinematic chains, vacuum technology, and vibration isolation equipment.